Siemens Rapidlab 1200, Operator'S Manual, Page: 96 / 448

2-8 Rapidlab 1200 Operator’s Guide: Operating the System
02087462 Rev. V
Using Different Sample Sources
The Rapidlab 1200 systems can analyze samples obtained from the following sources:
Sample Source Description
Arterial blood Arterial blood is commonly recommended for use in blood gas
studies because it accurately reflects acid-base physiology and
oxygenation status.
Arterial blood is routinely obtained from the radial, femoral, or
brachial arteries. Other sites can be used following
catheterization or surgical procedures.
Venous blood Venous blood can provide satisfactory pH and p CO
2
values;
however, venous p O
2
values may not be significant in routine
clinical studies without simultaneous study of arterial p O
2
.
Venous blood is routinely obtained from an antecubital vein
using vacuum tube collection systems. Other sites can be used as
necessary. Venous oxygen saturation values reported must be so
labeled to ensure correct interpretation of the results.
Mixed venous
blood Mixed venous (pulmonary artery) blood may be obtained from a
pulmonary artery catheter after carefully clearing the catheter of
infusion fluid. Take appropriate precautions to prevent mixing of
pulmonary capillary blood with the pulmonary artery blood.
Capillary blood Capillary blood, when carefully collected under the proper
conditions, resembles arterial blood and can be used for blood
gas studies if the sample limitations are understood.
*
Only small
quantities of blood are required for capillary blood analysis.
Capillary blood can be obtained from the heel, finger, or earlobe.
The area chosen should be prewarmed or stimulated before the
puncture to promote arterial circulation. The puncture should be
deep enough to ensure that blood flow is free and rapid. Take
appropriate precautions to minimize hemolysis, because
potassium levels are falsely elevated in hemolyzed blood.
* Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute. Blood Gas and pH Analysis and Related
Measurements: Approved Guideline; CLSI Document C46-A; (Vol. 21, No. 14); 2001.